The recent opening of the 40-room Cosme hotel in Paros, at the edge of the ever-more-fashionable port town of Naoussa, is emblematic of this Aegean island’s new personality. The first time we visited Naoussa many years ago, its port was filled with fishing boats. Slowly but surely, most of them have been replaced by yachts.

Cosme looks set to accelerate this change, as it is the first internationally branded luxury hotel on an island that previously specialized in small, independent properties. Part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, the white sugar-cube complex has a superb seaside location on the edge of Agioi Anargyroi beach. The hotel is owned by Kanava Hotels & Resorts, which has properties in Santorini and elsewhere on Paros, including the recommended Parīlio Hotel (see the review from the July 2020 Hideaway Report), also in Naoussa.

The Cosme had been open only a couple of weeks when we checked in, but despite its newness and the staffing shortages afflicting the hospitality industry, the service was already polished and professional. Along with its magnificent setting, we immediately liked the small seaside village feel of the hotel, with paths winding through gardens planted with thyme, rosemary, lavender and bougainvillea.

Having been escorted to our Astro Suite, we were instantly delighted by the gorgeous sea views from its private terrace, which came with loungers, a dining table, a built-in couch and a private plunge pool. It was a perfect setting for days of unrepentant idleness. The spacious bedroom had an appealing barefoot Cycladic chic, with cool tile floors, whitewashed walls and earth-toned furnishings. These included an oatmeal canvas-covered sofa, a cane chair and stone-topped tables. What we especially appreciated was the attention that had been paid to simple functionality, with details like easily adjusted bedside reading lamps and wooden shutters to block out unwanted light. The spacious bath came with a walk-in rainfall shower and a large white marble counter with two sinks.

Amenities at Cosme include an infinity-edge, half-moon-shaped pool; a gymnasium; and the Elios spa. The spa had yet to open at the time of our visit, but yoga and meditation sessions will be offered on a rooftop terrace, along with evening stargazing. Treatments will use Greek Korres organic products. A private beach club provides umbrellas, loungers and a drinks service. Celebrity chef Yiannis Kiorolou, who also runs restaurants in St. Tropez, Cannes and St. Barths, serves a menu of contemporary Greek and Mediterranean dishes on a covered terrace overlooking the sea. Both our oysters with yogurt and cucumber and the succulent rock lobster pasta were outstanding.